If the Gators weren't playing the Monday night league at Shoal River Middle School, they were on the road at Central or Laurel Hill. They even managed a few home games.

All that experience is useful.

"We get the fundamentals that are important all the way through high school,” Gator coach Andy Valmus said. “And the more they play, the better they get because there is no experience like game experience.

"It is the first time for some of them being on a team, and one of the things we learn is how to handle adversity. There is always going to be adversity in every game and in life. How they adjust to that adversity is important."

The Gators improved from the start of June to the end of the month, Valmus said.

"You can tell they are getting used to the offense, playing zone defense and playing as a team,” he said.

"I think it will help them not only in the middle school league we are about to join, but also when they get to high school."

Valmus said the team played in typical Baker fashion.

"Every Gator team I have ever been around has always worked hard and played hard and played with great intensity," he said. "That has been no surprise this summer. They have continued to do that and uphold that Gator tradition.

"They all have done a great job. They have carried the Gator name very well. I've been very proud of them."

Randy Dickson is the Crestview News Bulletin’s sports editor. Email him at randyd@crestviewbulletin.com, tweet him @BigRandle, or call 682-6524.